Computer security system and method based on user-intended final destination

Abstract

A system and method is described for protecting applications against malicious URL links by identifying a final destination. The system and method also includes enabling a user process to directly connect to the final destination, bypassing the original URL altogether; thereby bypassing the hacker's ability to use that URL to programmatically send the application to a malicious site.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from and is: (i) a nonprovisional application and continuation-in-part of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16 / 116,386 filed on Aug. 29, 2018, which is a nonprovisional of and claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 552,238 filed on Aug. 30, 2017, and is a continuation-in-part nonprovisional application of and claims priority from U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15 / 429,073 filed on Feb. 9, 2017, which is a nonprovisional of and claims priority from the following: U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 295,315 filed on Feb. 15, 2016, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 314,225 filed on Mar. 28, 2016, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 328,912 filed on Apr. 28, 2016, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 348,518 filed on Jun. 10, 2016, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 350,556 filed on Jun. 15...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text discusses a way to deal with redirects on websites that go to different domains. It suggests that some redirects, like those within the same domain, can be treated as safe and can be followed. Additionally, the text explains how the final destination can be determined based on different calculations, and how to use this information to protect user privacy and prevent malicious redirects. The technical effect of this invention is to enhance website security and protect user privacy from hacks and email marketing services.

Problems solved by technology

This technique keeps the first security method (blacklists) continually out of date, and therefore, ineffective.

This makes the security method not only ineffective, but even harmful.

The inherent weaknesses of the first two methods led to the current state-of-the-art security method: link scanning.

Unfortunately, link scanning solely provides the illusion of security while being trivial for hackers to circumvent.

Thus, the security service renders the link “good”; the user trusts the “good” rating, and then proceeds to get hacked.

Images